American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions
AAATI– THE MISSION
Since 1983, it’s been the mission of American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions (AAATI) to bring Christian educational opportunity to believers who are looking for credible, relevant, intellectually sound and spiritually challenging degree programs. Founded by Rev. Dr. Cecil Johnson– president of Christian Bible College based in Rocky Mount, NC – AAATI is a federal 501(c)3 Christian nonprofit organization which carries a burden for smaller seminaries within the USA.
American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions offers accreditation for Christian seminaries who distinguish themselves through 1) legal operation through appropriate governmental authorization, 2) educationally credentialed and validated faculty, 3) sound and substantial programs, and 4) professional processes and procedures.
AAATI ACCREDITATION TYPE– NON-SECULAR PRIVATE
As a non-secular private accrediting association, AAATI does not accredit secular-oriented schools, and all curriculums of associated schools must be predominately Bible oriented with an emphasis on training people to serve the Lord.
Students seeking training to serve the Lord in a phase of ministry unassociated with secular requirements do well to enroll in AAATI accredited schools. And conversely, students seeking the SECULAR status of a state certification, license or continuing education units (other than a state ministry license) should not expect an AAATI accredited degree to serve that purpose.
AAATI ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS
Institutions seeking accreditation must submit applicable documentation concerning the schools’ legal authority to operate within the state the school resides in, corporate filing and status, and federal authorization to operate as a non-profit organization.
A school must agree to comply with AAATI set standards and regulations and be in full operation before being considered for accreditation. A current photo of the facility in which the school operates is needed, along with testimonial letters from a pastor who will verify the school’s existence and operation, and from a current or graduate student, along with letterhead and instructor names and credentials.
Applicants for accreditation additionally submit a current catalog listing academic credit structure and graduation requirements, degrees granted, programs, courses offered, instructional material required, and a brief description of each course.
In addition, applicants submit accreditation criteria and standards concerning: institutional philosophy, affirmations, doctrinal perspective, structure, staff, facilities, financial policies, school year and time schedule, affiliate schools, enrollment procedures, and procedures for maintaining accreditation and termination.
